Thursday 28th October 2010: I have been feeling pretty crap over the last few days, been to doctor got urine sample, swab taken re catheter infection? Was up last night being sick and doctor took a series of bloods this morning as I am extremely pale, feeling feverish etc. The hubby and me had to go onto a further appointment of which took up all my strength to get there. When I got into Radiotherapy dept, Nursetook one look at me and knew I was not quite my usual self. I explained what was going on. I was in tears and honestly thought that was starting the dying process due to eveything that was happening and now I was vomiting as well; never been sick at all before despite the chemo etc.
She phoned the Breast Care Team to get any update on tests and I will speak with them later. I definetley have an infection and until the tests come back, I won't know what kind of antibiotic etc I will get.
I met the Radiotherapy Team and they asked me if I was up to what was going to happen today. They explained and I said it needed to be done. I would be at no harm and travelled a distance so why waste the appointment. All my future dates had been pre-organised and will commence on 8th November.
So I went under the simulater for about 20 minutes getting all prepared for start of my 3 weeks, 5 days a week radiotherapy on 3 areas; Breast, Neck and Underarm. So more drawings on me with marker pens, small plastic waterproof stickers place all over and to stay in place for the treatment along with a permanent marker made. Technician asked for my consent for this and I said yes, then gave out a wee yell "Ouch" as a wee scratch was made, but so sensitive on me, then filled with the black marker pen. This one will fade through time as will the others. We went through any side effects and this treatment will be a breeze compared to Chemotherapy. I was given a gown that I take with me each day, aqueous cream to use on the areas to help care for my skin and some bigger swabs meantime to protect the remaining bit of healing regarding the scar tissue, which will be all healed before treatment starts.
Finally got the Tablet today and to take at same time every day for next 5 years or so. This is an aromatase inhibitor and blocks the production of Oestrogens. It is called Femara Tablet and has the active ingredient Letrozole. Femara tablets are used to treat breast cancer in post menopausal women.
When I got home Breast Team had phoned, so I called them back and they were also concerned about the infection and will keep on top of information coming through of the results, but I know inside I will get a call as something is not right at all. I also had to get the District Nurse out to me to look at the scar on top of my leg, as become red and sore and weepy also. Result of this was that it looked like two of the dissolving stiches were not actually doing that, but were making their way through to the surface. District Nurse was able to get hold of one and will keep an eye on the rest, dressed this area.
So overall quite a productive day and I was able to stay awake for most of it.
Also found out this week, that there is also a family history of early onset of monthly periods stopping (menopause) within the family.
